14-19 April – Easter Break in Tasmania

Okay, this trip was a blast.

Day 1. It started off a bit slow, when Tiger Airways (serious discount airline) delayed the flight and a 2 hours trip turned into a 7 hour quest–but still good fun!  The first night, we lodged at the Iluka Holiday Centre in Coles Bay.  I was expecting a cabin, you know the ones with, well, nothing.  What we got hardly a cabin, but rather a pimped out, rockin’, awesome house–yeah! it had a shower, toilet, sink, heater, couches, TV..the works.  I would have been content staying there the entire trip, especially since a gorgeous pristine beach lay not more than 100 yards away (yes I swam in it, and yes it was  ice water).

Day 2.  The trek to Wineglass bay (above) was great fun.  Especially jumping into the freezing waters in nothing but your bibbadees (Hawaii slang for underpants, stay with me people).

This cute little wallaby was hopping around the beach–probably in hopes of stealing a bite of our lunch.

The water may look warm and inviting in this picture (above), but beware… it is fiercely chilly and apparently has some tiny little stinging jelly (thankfully I didn’t find out firsthand).  After a good game of ultimate frisby the rain clouds moved in and it did their thing.  It was time trek back to the bus and move on to Port Aurther where we stayed at a quaint little place called Fish Lips.  The ghost tour that night wasn’t half bad, either.

Day 3.  Theres no better way to begin the day than with a polar bear swim at Port Aurther.  I thought Wineglass Bay was cold, but this water blew it away.  We went to see some Tasmanian Devils at a nearby conservatory.

They may not look very terrifying, but believe me you do not want to get between these guys and a meal (lest you become one).

Time for a cruise to the Isle of the Dead (seen below) at Port Aurther.  This famed island was where not only the wealthy were buried, but also paupers and convicts–each with their own tale to tell, if you will only listen.

Of course, I did not take any photos on the actual island.

These ruins (above) housed the convicts that were jailed at Port Aurther.

Day 4.  Chocolate, Fruits, and Wine–what a day!

Perhaps you have heard of the famous Cadbury chocolate company?  Well, it was actually founded right in Tasmania… or was it England? I should have payed more attention during the orientation video.  Regardless of where they started, here they were… making delicious chocolates, giving tours to people who like chocolate, and selling chocolate for slightly cheaper than the local Safeway–whats not to like?  Yes, they even had a gift shop.

After all that chocolate, I knew it was time for something healthier–a glass of milk would definately do, but a good apple and a few strawberries will also suffice.  It was hard not to take a bite out of the fruit whilst picking them, so I made it easier for myself and didn’t resist a bit.

So what could possibly make the day complete? You got it, wine tasting at a beautiful Tasmanian vineyard.  Apparently, the correct way to taste wine was to hold it to the light, swirl it round a bit, give a wiff, sip it with a bit of air and if you like… spit.  Of course, I didn’t spit… I couldn’t let such fine wines go to waste!

Day 5.  The Salamanca Markets and Hobart Aquatic Center

A day at the market=a great day.  The place was packed with great food, wares, and entertainment.  I had to walk the whole thing twice.  Heather and I later went to the Hobart Aquatic Center for a good swim, splash, slide, and steam n’ sweat.

Day 6.  River Rafting!

Yeah, it was my first time river rafting.  Wet suit, polar fleece, wet boots, jacket, helmet, and life jacket–I felt like I could of been thrown off of a 50 foot building and been just fine.

(Picture below by Heather)

This was most definately the highlight of the trip–sure it wasn’t too difficult (a rapids rating of 2 out of 7, I think), but it was a great introduction.  And when the river went flat and peaceful, each raft whipped out their bucket and the water wars began.  We had a nice lunch along the river and after some raft wrestling, bucket sabotage, and some rough-housing it was time to dry up and head to the airport.

Best Easter break ever.

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